Cyclic alcohol imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $10.4 million of cyclic alcohol in 2024 (1.7 thousand tonnes). That is 13% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $10.4M | 1.7K t |
| 2023 | $11.9M | 1.8K t |
| 2022 | $9.3M | 1.1K t |
| 2021 | $8.3M | 1.2K t |
| 2020 | $7.7M | 645 t |
| 2019 | $7.9M | 1.2K t |
| 2018 | $8.7M | 1.3K t |
| 2017 | $5.8M | 1.1K t |
Where South Africa imports cyclic alcohol from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 54% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Japan grew fastest (+39% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $5.6M | 54% |
| Germany | $2.0M | 19% |
| India | $1.3M | 13% |
| Japan | $508K | 4.9% |
| United States | $327K | 3.2% |
| Lithuania | $253K | 2.4% |
| Brazil | $102K | 1% |
| Netherlands | $59K | 0.6% |
| Poland | $56K | 0.5% |
| Switzerland | $44K | 0.4% |
Product types under HS 2906
| 2906.19 | Alcohols: cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic and derivatives, n.e.c. in item no. 2906.1 | 42% |
| 2906.11 | Alcohols: cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic and derivatives, menthol | 28% |
| 2906.13 | Alcohols: cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic and derivatives, sterols and inositols | 20% |
| 2906.21 | Alcohols: aromatic alcohols and derivatives, benzyl alcohol | 8% |
| 2906.29 | Alcohols: aromatic and derivatives, other than benzyl alcohol | 2.8% |
| 2906.12 | Alcohols: cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic and derivatives, cyclohexanol, methylcyclohexanols and dimethylcyclohexanols | 0.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2906.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.93 per kg, close to the world average of $5.25.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Cyclic alcohol exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported cyclic alcohol worth $1.5 million (188 tonnes). Most of it went to Eswatini (21%), Zambia (14%), Kenya (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 45%. Among the main buyer markets, Canada grew fastest (+219% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Eswatini | $322K | 21% |
| Zambia | $216K | 14% |
| Kenya | $153K | 10% |
| Canada | $140K | 9.2% |
| Nigeria | $137K | 9% |
| Zimbabwe | $133K | 8.8% |
| China | $126K | 8.3% |
| Greece | $115K | 7.6% |
| Brazil | $30K | 2% |
| Botswana | $23K | 1.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 2906: Alcohols; cyclic, and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives.
Common questions
What is the value of cyclic alcohol imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported cyclic alcohol worth $10.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 30th of 184 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 13% on 2023.
Which countries supply cyclic alcohol to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 54% of the value ($5.6 million), followed by Germany (19%) and India (13%). The top three together account for 86%, out of 25 supplier countries in total. Poland grew fastest among the top ten, up 598% on the year.
What is the average import price of cyclic alcohol per kg?
The average declared import value was about $5.93 per kg in 2024, 13% above the world average of $5.25 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have imports of cyclic alcohol to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.8 million in 2017 to $10.4 million in 2024, an increase of 79%. The peak was 2023 at $11.9 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export cyclic alcohol?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Eswatini, Zambia and Kenya. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $8.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for cyclic alcohol?
The HS code for cyclic alcohol is heading 2906. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 2906.19 (42% of the value) and 2906.11 (28%). It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2906 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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